Soda tax

Coca-Cola’s CEO Muhtar Kent recently wrote a much viewed op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled “Coke Didn't Make America Fat,” in which he claims Americans need more exercise, not another tax, and should “enjoy the simple pleasures of a Coca-Cola.” While it’s perfectly understandable that Mr. Kent would fight the soda tax idea—not because it threatens American’s freedom to choose, but because it will undermine soda companies’ profits and image—the article includes so many untruths and misleading statements that it begs a fact check and a response. Read More »

The government forgets that marathoners and long distance cyclists rely on sugars, as well! I am a runner, and electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade is absolutely essential for me to be able to run long distances. Biologically, any individual who engages in a vigorous activity for more than 1.5 hours RELIES on carb/sugar-rich substances or risk falling face forward on the pavement because they simply no longer have the energy to finish the race/training. (Similarly, people have used flat Coke mid-race to get the sugar level back up) The government forgets that marathoners and long distance cyclists rely on sugars, as well! I am a runner, and electrolyte-replacement drinks like Gatorade is absolutely essential for me to be able to run long distances. Biologically, any individual who engages in a vigorous activity for more than 1.5 hours RELIES on carb/sugar-rich substances or risk falling face forward on the pavement because they simply no longer have the energy to finish the race/training. (Similarly, people have used flat Coke mid-race to get the sugar level back up) Now here I am, an athletic individual who is far from obese who relies on sugar to finish a marathon (gummy bears, Jolly Ranchers, etc.), and I'm being punished for it??? I might as well sit on my butt all day and not work out. Read More »